Probably both.
The Russians faslely believed those cages would offer them protection against missiles like Javelins but these offer no tactical or protection advantages,only adding weight to the tanks. Some useless things to improve the morale and confidence of Russian tankists.
Meanwhile VDV continue to suffer heavy losses
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Russian Paratroopers taking heavy casualties is why the Russians have not done a amphibious landing into odessa.
Russian marines will also accumulate heavy casualties.
Russian paratroopers taking heavy casualties will take decades to replace. Not to mention some regiments got wiped out.
I can see why Russia is hestitant. Russian paratroopers were one of their cream of the crop they got wiped our pretty badly due to no proper support.
This war exposed the Russians so badly. Im really thinking the Russians knew their weakness and had to act quickly but also thinking their military might despite their weaknesses would lead to Ukraine surrendering in a matter of days.
Instead the Ukrainians have fought tough and fierce while suprising everybody.
Years of nato weapons and training have benefitted Ukraine. They have learnt a lot.